I had a spinal cord injury from a ski accident. I had surgery at a trauma hospital, followed by a 2-week stay in the ICU. I was then transferred to a Med-Surg floor where I stayed for 4 nights. My husband stayed with me during the day but would have to leave at night to get some rest. I had bad experiences with a night nurse on the Med-Surg floor, over multiple nights, so nights became very stressful for me.

I was then transferred to Craig Hospital. I was unable to move my arms and had limited movement of my legs when I was first admitted to Craig Hospital. I was completely dependent on others, which was a new and scary experience. My very first night at Craig Hospital, in walks Annie. She introduced herself to me with a huge smile, and I found myself smiling back. That first evening after my husband left, I was anxious based on my previous experience. Annie came in to check on me and noticed my anxiety. She spent a few minutes talking with me which reduced some of the anxiety.

She came back to administer my night meds and checked on me again before I went to sleep. These actions may not appear to be anything special, but to an anxiety-ridden partially paralyzed person, they were extremely reassuring. This was continued every night she worked, and my anxiety disappeared. On the evenings that she worked, she started each evening with a big smile and a, "Hi Friend!" When I would wake up in pain, she responded quickly to my call and would follow up to see if I was able to get back to sleep. She would also check on me before she went off shift to see if I needed anything.

After I mentioned to her that I was uncomfortable having a male do my peri-care, she took over that task. When I went on antibiotics and was nauseated, she brought me crackers and ginger ale. Over time, I became extremely trusting of Annie, and my anxiety completely disappeared. When I was discharged, I was actually sad that I would no longer see her at night. She was my night angel!